The poison sac of a snake-type Pokémon.
The snake-type Pokémon that can appear in this area are either Ekans or Arbok, and they are usually quite violent and fond of attacking humans.
However, given the strength of these five Spearow, they shouldn't be able to handle a fully evolved Arbok, so it is very likely that the poison sac belongs to an Ekans.
They kept this poison sac probably because the scent it emits can repel wild mosquitoes, snakes, and ants.
After all, besides Pokémon, these common creatures also exist in the wild.
Whether it is Ekans or Arbok, they are both Poison-type Pokémon.
Previously, Natsuhiko had been reading books about insect-type Pokémon and poison-type Pokémon, thinking about how to enhance Weedle's insect-type ability and poison ability.
Among those readings, when learning about how Poison-type Pokémon enhance their Poison Energy, there was content about how to increase the toxicity of Poison-type Pokémon.
Poison-type Pokémon can increase their own toxicity by devouring the key organs of other Poison-type Pokémon, specifically the poison sacs where those Pokémon store their toxins, thus enhancing the power of their Poison-type techniques.
However, this method of enhancement is not accepted by the Alliance, so the book only briefly mentioned it and didn't go into detail.
Natsuhiko knew of this method, but he didn't know the specifics of how to do it.
Just to be safe, he still put it away.
He thought about whether he could find some detailed operational information later and then try to have Weedle consume this poison sac to increase its toxicity.
Weedle's poison talent had already shown itself in a moment of anger earlier, and Natsuhiko felt it was worth deeper exploration.
Looking at Weedle with its aggrieved expression as he put the poison sac away.
Weedle almost couldn't resist swallowing it whole earlier; if it weren't for trying to show it to Natsuhiko, it probably couldn't have gotten it out of the nest.
Seeing its expression, Natsuhiko smiled and flicked its little head, "What's there to be aggrieved about? It will eventually be yours anyway, but this thing is dangerous. Eating it without preparation might not be good for you and could even be risky, so bear with it for now."
"Woo~~" Weedle could only droop its head helplessly.
"There might be something else good here. If it's something you can eat right away, I won't stop you," Natsuhiko comforted.
"Woo?"
"Really."
Holding it, he continued walking through the area of Dense Wood Forest he was responsible for, clearing out any potentially dangerous Pokémon.
Aside from the five Spearow causing some trouble, the other Pokémon were indeed not difficult to handle.
After a short lunch break at noon, there was no rest in between.
The sun tilted westward.
Looking at the still quiet forest, their presence hadn't disturbed its tranquility.
At the edge of the deepest part of Dense Wood Forest.
"That should be about enough. It's getting late, we should head back."
After clearing the Dense Wood Forest, he seemed to have earned quite a bit today, along with the unexpected snake gall, overall it was not bad.
Tomorrow, I'll go one more round of Dense Wood Forest with the spirited Kenji; the Pokémon Food and Energy Blocks Weedle needs in the coming period should be secured.
"Oh right, there's also that Spearow hanging on the tree. We should check if it's still alive on the way back; if it is, it might fetch some money."
As he muttered, Natsuhiko suddenly noticed that the usually quiet Weedle had been staring behind Natsuhiko.
Noticing its unusual behavior, Natsuhiko raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong?"
"Woo..."
Weedle called softly, its eyes fixated on the depths of the dim forest.
As light dimmed, visibility within the forest decreased.
Faintly, there seemed to be a faint red glow lighting up between the trees.
"Woo..."
Weedle called softly again.
"Beyond there isn't within the range of Dense Wood Forest anymore; there could be any unknown danger hidden inside." Natsuhiko understood what Weedle meant but couldn't help reminding it.
"Woo..."
Yet Weedle looked at him with a hopeful expression.
"Tch."
Natsuhiko clicked his tongue.
Weedle felt that inside, beyond the dense trees, outside the boundary of Dense Wood Forest, there was something significantly tempting to it.
Even more tempting than the poison sac earlier.
So tempting that it ignored Natsuhiko's warning, yearning to obtain what was inside.
Judging by Weedle's reaction, it was clear that what was inside was not simple.
But...
The woods at night are the most dangerous.
Many aggressive Pokémon don't appear during the day, and when night arrives, it is their time to move.
These Pokémon are often extremely dangerous, most are at the top of the food chain, targeting humans like Natsuhiko and low-tier Pokémon like Weedle.
However.
Looking at Weedle's eager eyes and expectant demeanor, if Natsuhiko wasn't holding it back, it would have rushed in long ago.
"Then let's give it a try."
Natsuhiko let out a long sigh and made his decision.
"Woo?" Weedle looked at him, both surprised and delighted.
Natsuhiko said irritably, "We'll just give it a try. If the threat is too great or the obstacles too numerous, we'll retreat immediately and come back tomorrow during the day."
As he said this, Natsuhiko knew that whatever made Weedle so reactive was likely very appealing to other Pokémon as well.
The competition among Pokémon might have already begun.
Perhaps by the time they returned tomorrow, whatever attracted Weedle would be gone.
Some things, once missed, are gone forever.
This was also why Natsuhiko decided to take a look.
"Woo!" Weedle nodded firmly.
It also understood the danger and didn't want Natsuhiko to be at risk, but the attraction of what lay inside was too great; if it didn't go, Weedle would regret it.
"Eat this Energy Block, rest for ten minutes, and when you're ready, we'll go in; ten minutes shouldn't make a difference."
Saying this, he produced a complete Energy Block.
Weedle said nothing, obediently devouring the Energy Block and quietly recovering its energy.
Quickly.
Ten minutes passed.
The sun quickly set too, and visibility in the woods became very low.
"This time, the danger level is no less than earlier. If you can't ensure utmost vigilance, we'll retreat," Natsuhiko emphasized once more.
Going into such woods, he was under the most pressure.
"Woo!"
Weedle traced a line across its chest with its tail, showing its determination.
"In that case, let's go."
He took a step forward, leaving the comfort zone of Dense Wood Forest.
Crises could strike at any moment.
His mouth slightly open, his Adam's apple moving, he inhaled the musty-smelling air into his lungs, holding his breath, the thin air gradually spread in his lungs.
Feeling the burning in his lungs and the thumping of his pulse resounding in his ears.
Supreme focus.
With Weedle, he left Dense Wood Forest, entering an area named by the Alliance as Autumn Leaves Forest.
In the danger level determined by the Alliance, this forest is considered a medium danger area, already beyond the bounds of Goldenrod City, entering a central region between two cities.
Don't underestimate medium danger.
Remember, Dense Wood Forest was classified as a no-danger zone.
But...
If they encounter something they can't handle, they can just retreat, and nothing major should happen.
Right.